Phantom Phoenix shows progress

BAGHDAD, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Top military officials in Iraq credited Operation Phantom Phoenix with disrupting militant efforts and bringing other non-military improvements.

A spokesman for the Multi-National Force in Iraq, Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner, told reporters Wednesday the operation, launched Jan. 8, continued to disrupt al-Qaida and other militant activity as well as provide support for Iraqi citizens, the American Forces Press Service said Wednesday.

"This is a tough fight on many levels, and it will continue to be so," Bergner said. "But even as offensive operations pressure the extremist networks, there are steps being taken to improve services and support for the citizens of Iraq."

Bergner said U.S.-led coalition and Iraqi forces detained nearly 200 insurgents, killed 60 others and uncovered nearly 80 weapons caches.

Iraqi forces collaborating with the operation in Mosul detained a suspected militant leader allegedly involved in various kidnappings of Iraqi civilians.

Military units uncovered a "complex cache site" in Tikrit containing log books detailing suspected al-Qaida operatives and maps of locations of improvised explosive devices.

"The 70-meter complex included a building for constructing improvised explosive devices, as well as two underground bunkers," he said.

Bergner said the non-combat aspects of the operation brought Iraqi healthcare providers together in Baghdad for a two-day medical conference for the first time in over 15 years.